US7454757B2 - Technology for processing information e.g. representing print requests in networked environment a system suitable for applying this method, and a computer program element comprising a program code for applying this method - Google Patents

Technology for processing information e.g. representing print requests in networked environment a system suitable for applying this method, and a computer program element comprising a program code for applying this method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7454757B2
US7454757B2 US09/878,962 US87896201A US7454757B2 US 7454757 B2 US7454757 B2 US 7454757B2 US 87896201 A US87896201 A US 87896201A US 7454757 B2 US7454757 B2 US 7454757B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
processing device
job
user
processing
devices
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US09/878,962
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20020010731A1 (en
Inventor
Roger Michel Helene Bergs
Wilhelmus Johannes Couwenberg
Marcus Willibrordus Krom
Olivier Romuald Charles Pierre Henri Schneider
Andreas Wierda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Production Printing Netherlands BV
Original Assignee
Oce Technologies BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oce Technologies BV filed Critical Oce Technologies BV
Assigned to OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V. reassignment OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SCHNEIDER, OLIVIER ROMUALD CHARLES PIERRE HENRI, KROM, MARCUS WILLIBRORDUS, WIERDA, ANDREAS, BERGS, ROGER MICHEL HELENE, COUWENBERG, WILHELMUS JOHANNES
Publication of US20020010731A1 publication Critical patent/US20020010731A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7454757B2 publication Critical patent/US7454757B2/en
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1205Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1224Client or server resources management
    • G06F3/1226Discovery of devices having required properties
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1229Printer resources management or printer maintenance, e.g. device status, power levels
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237Print job management
    • G06F3/126Job scheduling, e.g. queuing, determine appropriate device
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1278Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
    • G06F3/1285Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1204Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data

Definitions

  • the invention relates to technology for processing information with a system provided with at least two processing devices coupled to a network, and more particularly to processing information representing print requests.
  • European Patent Application No. EP 0 772 114 is directed toward a method of processing information in a system having at least two processing devices connected to a network.
  • An order for processing informations has two parts, a job and a job ticket.
  • a user of the system prior to giving an order for processing information by the system, programs a job ticket so that there is selected from the system a combination of processing devices which can carry out the job settings that the user adds to an order. This takes into account the processing capabilities of the various processing devices and if required the actual available attributes thereof.
  • the programmed job ticket can be stored by the user in a memory so that the job ticket can be used at a later stage and more than once.
  • the user wants to give an actual order for the processing of the information to the system, for example the scanning of a set of originals, the archiving of information, the conversion of texts to word processor data (OCR), the printing of a number of reports etc.
  • OCR word processor data
  • the user defines a job and combines it with a job ticket containing the required settings. This combination or order, is then fed to the system for performance.
  • This method has one important disadvantage. Since the user cannot give the actual order until a job ticket has been programmed, there is the risk that at the time that this order is given the selected processing device or devices are no longer suitable for carrying out the settings associated with the job.
  • a processing device is temporarily unavailable because another user is in the meantime using this device for a very extensive job.
  • a specific processing device may in the meantime have been replaced by another type with fewer capabilities.
  • the required receiving materials e.g. paper or film, or auxiliary materials, such as staples
  • processing devices adapted to transmitting data such as facsimile devices or e-mail servers
  • there is a considerable interval of time between programming the job ticket and giving the actual order for processing the information there is a considerable risk that the selected device or devices are not available for performing the order.
  • a method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a job for processing information from a user of the system, automatically checking whether processing devices belonging to a predetermined set selected from at least two processing devices are suitable for performing the job, presenting an indication for each processing device of the set to the user (via presentation means) of whether the same is suitable for performing the job, receiving a selection of a processing device belonging to the set, and transmitting at least a part of the job to the selected processing device.
  • a job is first defined completely with all the required settings, and a check is made for a predetermined set of devices automatically, i.e. by the system, as to what processing devices, whether or not in combination, are suitable for performing the job.
  • the set of processing devices is presented to the user via presentation means, for example via a monitor screen or some other means generating signals which are perceptible to the user either visually, audibly, or in some other way, it being indicated for each of said devices whether the same is suitable for performing this job.
  • presentation means for example via a monitor screen or some other means generating signals which are perceptible to the user either visually, audibly, or in some other way, it being indicated for each of said devices whether the same is suitable for performing this job.
  • a device is selected and the job is passed to the selected device. It is also possible to split the order and transmit a part of the job to a first device and another part to a second device so that the job can be performed more quickly.
  • An important supplementary advantage of the method according to the invention is that even the processing devices which are not suitable for performing the job at the time the job is defined are presented to the user.
  • By giving the user a complete overview of both the suitable and the unsuitable processing devices it is possible to obtain an open interaction between the user and the system. If, for example, a device that the user prefers, e.g., because it is situated at a location close to his workplace at the time, appears to be unsuitable, the user can adapt his job, for example by omitting a specific setting, so that the device which he prefers can be made suitable for performing the job. An interaction of this kind is made much easier by presenting all the processing devices belonging to the set, so that the method can give a considerable saving in time for the user.
  • the processing devices are printing devices, for example printers, plotters and other devices which can print receiving media with image-forming materials.
  • the above-mentioned problem is present because many processing capabilities of such devices are dependent on the presence of processing materials such as receiving media, image-forming materials such as toners or inks, other auxiliary materials such as staples, covers, binding edges, glue, and so on.
  • processing materials such as receiving media, image-forming materials such as toners or inks, other auxiliary materials such as staples, covers, binding edges, glue, and so on.
  • devices of this kind are relatively frequently subject to malfunctioning, so that a device can suddenly become unavailable for a relatively long period.
  • the presentation means indicates, in the event of a processing device being unsuitable for performing the order, what the reason for this is. In this way, the user is kept informed as to why a specific processing device is unsuitable. This is an important aid to the user in his dealings with the system.
  • a specific device for example the device which he normally particularly prefers, is not suitable for performing the job
  • the user thus knows beforehand what disadvantage will occur in performing the job if he nevertheless selects an unsuitable device for performing that job. If this disadvantage is sufficiently minor with respect to the advantage of using that device, for example the favourable location, good processing quality, or low processing costs, it may nevertheless still be favourable for the user to select precisely that device.
  • a reason for the non-suitability of a specific processing device is indicated in response to that processing device being allocated by the user of the system.
  • the presentation means comprises a monitor screen coupled to a workstation and which is controllable by a mouse
  • the user can allocate a device which is indicated on the screen as being unsuitable for performing the job, such allocation being effected, for example, by setting the mouse cursor on the device and then e.g., double clicking on the left-hand mouse button so that a separate window indicates one or more causes of the unsuitability.
  • This method has the advantage that the quantity of information presented to the user via the presentation means remains restricted and information concerning the unsuitability of a device is indicated only if the user so requests.
  • a part of the job is presented to the user, which part preferably contains one or more settings of the job.
  • This has the advantage that the user can immediately take note of the job that he defines and has an overview of the job defined by him.
  • this part of the job is presented to the user via the presentation means simultaneously with the set of processing devices.
  • the presentation means comprises a monitor screen
  • the settings of the job are displayed in a first window and a list of processing devices belonging to the set is displayed in a second window next to the first. The user then sees at a glance which devices are suitable or unsuitable for performing the job defined by him. By allocating an unsuitable device, for example, it is then possible immediately to indicate in the first window which of the settings will not be carried out if this unsuitable device is selected for performing the job.
  • the presentation means indicates what device has been selected.
  • the selected device can be marked, for example by shading the background of the code by which this device is represented. In this way it is clear to the user which of the processing devices has been selected at that time for performing the job.
  • the job is not transmitted to this selected processing device until after confirmation of that selection. In this way the user always still has the possibility of changing a previous selection if that appears favourable. Preferably, the selection is confirmed by the user himself.
  • a processing device is selected by the system itself on the basis of one or more predetermined criteria, whereafter the user has the possibility of changing this selection.
  • the user is not compelled to select a device himself for each order but the system makes a default selection.
  • the user still retains complete control of this because on the one hand he can input the criteria on the basis of which the system selects a device (examples of criteria are a processing property of the device, such as quality, cost price and speed, distance between the device and the user or workstation, device availability, personal preference of the user, and so on) and on the other hand he can always change a default selection before he confirms the selection.
  • the presentation means separately indicates whether at least one processing device belonging to the set is suitable for performing the job. This can be shown, for example, via a master symbol on the monitor screen. In this way the user is immediately informed whether his job can at least be performed as defined by him. If, for example, only one device is suitable, the above-mentioned default selection would automatically be able to relate to that device.
  • a system suitable for performing the method according to the invention comprises coupled to a network: at least two processing devices, defining means for defining an order for processing information, research means for checking whether processing devices belonging to a predetermined set selected from the at least two processing devices are suitable for performing the defined job, presentation means for presenting the processing devices of the set, it being indicated for each processing device whether the same is suitable for performing the defined job, and finally selection means for selecting a processing device.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program element, i.e. any medium suitable for carrying data, for example a floppy disk, CD ROM, DVD, minidisc, network etc., comprising a computer program code for performing the method according to the invention on an information processing system.
  • a computer program element i.e. any medium suitable for carrying data, for example a floppy disk, CD ROM, DVD, minidisc, network etc., comprising a computer program code for performing the method according to the invention on an information processing system.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system suitable for applying the method according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart again suitable for a research module belonging to the system according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 which comprises FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 3 C, 3 D and 3 E, shows how the method is presented to the system user according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of an information processing system 1 according to the invention.
  • the user 2 in this case a person, has interaction with the system via a display unit 3 , in this case a monitor screen, and a user interface 4 , more particularly a keyboard in combination with a mouse.
  • Monitor screen 3 and the user interface 4 together form a workstation for the user.
  • This workstation is coupled to a server 5 , including a central control module 6 for controlling the information flows within the system, a memory 7 for the storage of data, a research module 8 operable to check whether processing devices belonging to the system are suitable for performing a specific job, a define module 9 operable to define a job for the processing of information, a select module 10 for selecting a processing device, and a point module 11 for allocating a processing device. It is not essential for the system that each of these modules should form part of the server 5 . It is also possible that at least some of the modules form part of the workstation or that the modules are distributed over a plurality of servers and/or workstations.
  • a number of information processing devices 12 , 13 and 14 are coupled to the server 5 .
  • these devices are printing devices with different print capabilities.
  • the method according to the invention can be performed on known server technology. It is only necessary to control this known server in the correct manner, i.e., according to the invention.
  • the server can be provided with the correct computer program code (“software”), which enables the system to perform the method according to the invention.
  • This software can be installed on the server via a computer program element, in this case a floppy disk 15 or a set of data on a network loaded into the server via a network connection 16 .
  • An advantage of the method, software and system according to the invention is that a user can make use of the capabilities of different printing devices without having to deal with complex installation or configuration programs for each separate device. As soon as an arbitrary workstation has been coupled to the system, each printing device belonging to that system is accessible to a user of that workstation because the installation of each printing device takes place at the level of the server 5 .
  • this order comprises one or more settings for the printing of the file, more particularly the paper format, the paper orientation, colour or gary scale appearance, simplex or duplex printing, stapling, and so on.
  • the system 1 offers the user a number of basic settings via the monitor screen 3 , and these basic settings can be changed by the user via the user interface 4 .
  • the define module 9 collects the information that the user inputs relating to the job. Via the control module 6 , all the components which together form the job as such are stored in the memory 7 .
  • the control module 6 is operable to cause the order, or at least the associated settings, to be displayed to the user via a window on the monitor screen 3 .
  • the control module 6 then actuates research module 8 .
  • the control module 6 communicates to the research module 8 what order has been stored in the memory, particularly the associated settings.
  • the research module 8 checks which of the printing devices 12 , 13 and 14 is suitable for performing the order. In this preferred embodiment, the research module 8 checks not only whether the printing devices 12 , 13 and 14 have the printing capabilities appropriate to the job, but also whether these capabilities are available.
  • the result of this research is stored by the control module 6 in the memory 7 and is directly presented to the user via the monitor screen 3 .
  • a second window can be shown on this screen with a list of the printing devices, or at least codes for the same. Beside each printing device there is an indication of whether the same is or is not suitable for performing the job at that moment, for example by providing the code with a red mark if the intended printing device is not suitable, and a green mark if it is suitable.
  • each printing device there is an automatic indication whether each printing device is on standby, i.e. available for performing print jobs generally. If that is not the case, for example because there is a paper jam, or because the printing device has broken down, the reason for this is indicated.
  • the user is in addition offered the possibility of allocating a printing device from the list of printing devices as presented to the user via the said window on the screen, such allocation being effected by actuating the point device of the workstation. In this embodiment, this takes place by placing the mouse cursor on the screen on to one of the printing devices and then e.g., double clicking on the left-hand mouse button.
  • This allocation is that the user directly obtains information via the monitor screen 3 as to the capabilities of the allocated printing device in relation to the defined job, more particularly the settings which form part of this job.
  • control module 6 indicates, in the window in which the job settings are displayed, what the settings are that the associated printing device cannot accept, for example by marking them with a red icon.
  • the system comprises a selection module 10 with which a printing device can be selected.
  • This selection module 10 selects a default printing device as soon as the job has been defined by the user. This default selection takes place on the basis of one or more selection criteria stored in the memory 7 . These criteria are placed in the memory 7 beforehand on installation of the server 5 and can subsequently be adapted or renewed by the system user or manager.
  • the selection criteria may be static criteria, such as a processing property of the printing device (default selection, for example, is the printing device which prints with the highest resolution), the distance between the user and the printing device (the default selection is the printing device closest to the workstation), the printing costs (the default selection, for example, is the printing device which has the lowest cost per print) and the personal preference of the user.
  • the selection module uses dynamic criteria, taking into account the result of the research carried out by in the research module 8 .
  • dynamic criteria taking into account the result of the research carried out by in the research module 8 . Examples of this are the device which is projected to perform the job most quickly as a default selection (for which a complex calculation will be required based on printing speed, availability and other data), the device available at that moment in order to perform the job in combination with the distance from the user, and so on.
  • the selection module 10 also is operable to change the selection.
  • the user can indicate via the user interface 4 how he wishes to change his selection, for example by selecting a device via the mouse.
  • the sequence in which the printing devices are presented to the user is determined beforehand, for example by the system manager or on the basis of the static selection criteria, but it is possible to subordinate this sequence either alone or jointly to dynamic criteria, so that for example a device which is suitable and is at the same time the least distance from the user is the first presented to the user.
  • the selection module 10 also is operable to confirm a specific selection. If the user confirms a selection for a printing device via the workstation, the control module 6 calls the job up from the memory 7 in response thereto and transmits it to the selected printing device. If the user 2 has not changed the default selection, then the order is transmitted to this default printing device by confirmation. It is possible that this printing device cannot accept specific settings or that it is temporarily unavailable. This means that the job can only be performed partly, in this case at a later time. However, before he confirms a selection, the user can change the default selection via the workstation to a selection of his preference. In this way the user can at all times keep control over the system and himself determine the printing device on which he wants his job done.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart suitable for the research module 8 belonging to the system.
  • the research module 8 continuously checks whether each of the printing devices is suitable for performing a job. If the user has not yet defined any concrete job, a check is made whether each of the printing devices can perform a standard job stored in the memory. This standard job comprises a text file for printing and the basic settings referred to in the description of FIG. 1 . As soon as the user introduces a job via the define module 9 , a check is made whether the printing devices 12 , 13 and 14 are suitable for performing the input job so that the user is immediately informed of the capabilities that the system offers him for performing his job.
  • the first printing device of the set of printing devices for checking is converted in step 201 to the current printing device, i.e. the device for checking in this partial check.
  • step 202 a check is then made whether this printing device comes within reach of the system. If not, for example because this printing device is not coupled to the network, the value “error” is assigned to the status. This status is stored in memory 7 via the control module 6 . If the printing device is within the system reach, then the status of the device is first retrieved in step 203 . In this embodiment, this status comprises all the information relating to the capabilities of the device and its availability with respect to the job.
  • step 204 If no answer comes in step 204 , then the printing device cannot be actuated and the research module assigns the value “error” to the status in step 206 . If an answer does arrive, this is stored as status in the memory 7 via the control module 6 .
  • step 207 a check is then made whether the printing device checked is the last printing device of the set being checked. If not, then in step 209 the next printing device becomes the current printing device to be checked. If so, the first printing device becomes the printing device for checking. The research then continues with step 202 .
  • the printing devices are continuously checked as to their suitability. After all the devices have been checked for suitability, it is possible to start a new check only if a change occurs in the job (for example a change of a setting) or in one of the printing devices themselves (e.g. the paper, toner, ink, staples or some other consumable has been used up, there is a paper jam, the printing device is switched off, and so on). Since in this way the server 5 is required to start a subsequent check only when a specific event occurs, it is subjected to much less loading and the consequence of a change affecting the performance of a job defined by the user can be presented by the system to said user more quickly.
  • a change for example a change of a setting
  • the printing devices themselves e.g. the paper, toner, ink, staples or some other consumable has been used up, there is a paper jam, the printing device is switched off, and so on. Since in this way the server 5 is required to start a subsequent check only when a specific event occurs
  • FIG. 3 again is formed of FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 3 C, 3 D and 3 E. And it shows how the method is presented to the system user.
  • the user for example of a word processor such as Microsoft Word, decides to have a file printed, he selects the option “File/Print” in the menu of this word processor as offered via the monitor screen 3 .
  • FIG. 3A by the dark or highlighted bar in the selection menu 300 .
  • the print dialogue window appears on the screen as shown in FIG. 3B .
  • FIG. 3 again is formed of FIGS. 3A , 3 B, 3 C, 3 D and 3 E. And it shows how the method is presented to the system user.
  • the user for example of a word processor such as Microsoft Word, decides to have a file printed, he selects the option “File/Print” in the menu of this word processor as offered via the monitor screen 3 .
  • FIG. 3A by the dark or highlighted bar in the selection menu 300 .
  • the print dialogue window appears on the screen as
  • the left-hand box 306 displays the settings of the job, in this case the default settings: A4 format, portrait orientation, standard paper, one copy, simplex, no staple, black and white, 300 dpi resolution, scale 100%.
  • the right-hand box 308 displays the list with printing devices belonging to the system (“HP Laserjet 5 Si to HP Laserjet 4M Plus), their location ( 3 G 09 to 3 L 07 ) and their current status.
  • the term “OK” denotes that the relevant printing device is available, “error” indicates that the printing device is not available.
  • the dark or highlighted “HP Laserjet” printing device a warning is given that paper tray 3 is empty.
  • “Display” column extra information of importance to the user can be given for each printing device.
  • One of the printing devices, namely “HP Laserjet” is marked by the colours of the background (dark or highlighted) around the code because this is the default printing device.
  • a coloured round icon 310 indicates for each printing device whether the same is suitable for performing the job.
  • three colours are used: a green icon (half-closed icon) 312 means that the relevant printing device can perform the job as defined at that time, a yellow icon (open icon) 314 means that the printing device does have the correct properties for performing the job but at the moment they are not (all) available, while finally a red icon (closed icon) 316 (not shown in FIG. 3C but see FIG. 3D ) means that the relevant printing device does not have the correct properties for performing the job as defined. If the user selects the “Print” button 318 then that confirms the selection made by the system. In response to this, the system transmits the job to the default printing device “HP Laserjet”, which according to the associated green icon is suitable for performing the job as defined.
  • the research module 8 will re-check whether the printing devices are suitable for performing the job. It now appears that only the printing device Océ 3165 has a green icon 312 . If the user were now to select the “Print” option, the job would nevertheless be given to the default printer HP Laserjet, but this will perform the job without providing the receiving materials with a staple. The user, however, can also alter the selection by selecting the printing device Océ 3165, for example via the mouse, and then confirming this new selection by selecting the “Print” button 318 . As a result the job is performed as defined.
  • the left-hand window 306 By indicating in the right-hand window 308 , for example via the mouse, a printing device which is not suitable for performing the job, the left-hand window 306 will indicate why this printing device is not suitable. This is shown in FIG. 3E .
  • the user has allocated the default printing device HP Laserjet, which is shown in the window by the open frame 322 around this printing device.
  • the round icon 324 in front of the “Staple” option 320 turns red. It is now clear to the user why this printing device is not suitable. He can then decide whether he nevertheless wants the order carried out by the default printing device, with the omission of a staple, or he can choose a printing device which is suitable.
  • a tick or checked box 326 is indicated to show the user that at least one device is suitable for performing the job. This is an advantage when there is a long list of devices which cannot all fit in the right-hand window 308 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
US09/878,962 2000-06-13 2001-06-13 Technology for processing information e.g. representing print requests in networked environment a system suitable for applying this method, and a computer program element comprising a program code for applying this method Expired - Fee Related US7454757B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1015415 2000-06-13
NL1015415A NL1015415C2 (nl) 2000-06-13 2000-06-13 Werkwijze voor het verwerken van informatie, een systeem geschikt om deze werkwijze toe te passen en een computer programma element omvattend een programma code voor het toepassen van deze werkwijze.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020010731A1 US20020010731A1 (en) 2002-01-24
US7454757B2 true US7454757B2 (en) 2008-11-18

Family

ID=19771526

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/878,962 Expired - Fee Related US7454757B2 (en) 2000-06-13 2001-06-13 Technology for processing information e.g. representing print requests in networked environment a system suitable for applying this method, and a computer program element comprising a program code for applying this method

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US7454757B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP1164468A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2002091738A (ja)
NL (1) NL1015415C2 (ja)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090024958A1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2009-01-22 Kyocera Mita Corporation Program product including display control program and computer-readable media, display device, display control method, and image forming apparatus
EP3232317A1 (en) 2016-04-13 2017-10-18 OCE Holding B.V. Job management system

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020181013A1 (en) * 2001-06-04 2002-12-05 Dunlap Douglas Gerald Printer selection system and method
US9062992B2 (en) * 2004-07-27 2015-06-23 TriPlay Inc. Using mote-associated indexes
JP4403997B2 (ja) * 2005-03-30 2010-01-27 ブラザー工業株式会社 レイアウト表示システム、レイアウト表示装置、およびレイアウト表示プログラム
JP4566139B2 (ja) * 2006-02-10 2010-10-20 コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 画像形成システム、情報処理装置、および、情報処理装置の制御プログラム
JP4270242B2 (ja) * 2006-08-22 2009-05-27 コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 情報処理装置及びプリント指示プログラム並びにプリント指示プログラムを記録した記録媒体
JP4780049B2 (ja) * 2007-06-29 2011-09-28 富士ゼロックス株式会社 情報処理システム及び情報処理プログラム
US20090204369A1 (en) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-13 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Control Apparatus and Program
JP2009187425A (ja) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-20 Brother Ind Ltd 制御装置及びプログラム
US10621479B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2020-04-14 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Illumination source

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5129639A (en) * 1990-12-17 1992-07-14 Eastman Kodak Company Printer configuration control system
US5467434A (en) * 1992-08-28 1995-11-14 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for determining printer option availability and representing conflict resolution in a combination of print job selections
EP0772114A1 (en) 1995-10-30 1997-05-07 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for programming a job ticket in a document processing system
US5727135A (en) * 1995-03-23 1998-03-10 Lexmark International, Inc. Multiple printer status information indication
US5898821A (en) * 1997-01-21 1999-04-27 Xerox Corporation Printing system with halftone substitution capability
US5996029A (en) * 1993-01-18 1999-11-30 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Information input/output control apparatus and method for indicating which of at least one information terminal device is able to execute a functional operation based on environmental information
US6076110A (en) * 1997-11-25 2000-06-13 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for server virtual device name negotiation
US6275299B1 (en) * 1996-04-17 2001-08-14 Apple Computer, Inc. Multiple spooler printing system
US6282590B1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2001-08-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for establishing a standard peripheral interface server
US6469796B1 (en) * 1996-03-01 2002-10-22 Fmr Corp. Controlling printing using a print server having a graphical user interface
US7081969B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2006-07-25 Electronics For Imaging, Inc. Automatic print load balancing

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5960652A (ja) * 1982-09-30 1984-04-06 Fujitsu Ltd デ−タ処理装置
JPH07104949A (ja) * 1993-10-07 1995-04-21 Canon Inc 印刷システム
JPH07261953A (ja) * 1994-03-17 1995-10-13 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd プリントシステム
JPH09198206A (ja) * 1996-01-18 1997-07-31 Ricoh Co Ltd ネットワークの制御システム
JPH10207667A (ja) * 1997-01-20 1998-08-07 Toshiba Corp 画像形成装置
JPH10320344A (ja) * 1997-05-21 1998-12-04 Minolta Co Ltd ネットワークにおける入出力機器の指定プログラムを記録した記録媒体ならびにネットワークにおける入出力機器の指定システムおよび方法
JP3720544B2 (ja) * 1997-08-07 2005-11-30 株式会社リコー プリンタ制御装置
NL1008659C2 (nl) * 1998-03-20 1999-09-21 Oce Tech Bv Statuspresentatie van printers in een informatieverwerkings-systeem.
JP3563606B2 (ja) * 1998-08-20 2004-09-08 富士ゼロックス株式会社 印刷装置

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5129639A (en) * 1990-12-17 1992-07-14 Eastman Kodak Company Printer configuration control system
US5467434A (en) * 1992-08-28 1995-11-14 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for determining printer option availability and representing conflict resolution in a combination of print job selections
US5996029A (en) * 1993-01-18 1999-11-30 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Information input/output control apparatus and method for indicating which of at least one information terminal device is able to execute a functional operation based on environmental information
US5727135A (en) * 1995-03-23 1998-03-10 Lexmark International, Inc. Multiple printer status information indication
EP0772114A1 (en) 1995-10-30 1997-05-07 Xerox Corporation Apparatus and method for programming a job ticket in a document processing system
US6469796B1 (en) * 1996-03-01 2002-10-22 Fmr Corp. Controlling printing using a print server having a graphical user interface
US6275299B1 (en) * 1996-04-17 2001-08-14 Apple Computer, Inc. Multiple spooler printing system
US5898821A (en) * 1997-01-21 1999-04-27 Xerox Corporation Printing system with halftone substitution capability
US6076110A (en) * 1997-11-25 2000-06-13 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for server virtual device name negotiation
US6282590B1 (en) * 1998-09-15 2001-08-28 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for establishing a standard peripheral interface server
US7081969B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2006-07-25 Electronics For Imaging, Inc. Automatic print load balancing

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Sklut, Robert, Apparatus and method for programming a job ticket in a document processing system, Jul. 05, 1997. *
Takeshita, Display device for printer selecting, Mar. 18, 1993. *
The Hard Copy Observer, vol. V, No. 4, Apr. 1995, "HP Debuts First 600 DPI Desktop Ink Jets, Regains Technical Lead".

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090024958A1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2009-01-22 Kyocera Mita Corporation Program product including display control program and computer-readable media, display device, display control method, and image forming apparatus
EP3232317A1 (en) 2016-04-13 2017-10-18 OCE Holding B.V. Job management system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1015415C2 (nl) 2001-12-14
EP1164468A1 (en) 2001-12-19
JP2002091738A (ja) 2002-03-29
US20020010731A1 (en) 2002-01-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7649642B2 (en) Customizable print media definition
US7777904B2 (en) Coordinated concurrent printing of print jobs containing pages that are incompatible with a single printer
US7304753B1 (en) Systems for print job monitoring
US6348971B2 (en) Printing system and printing method for selecting an optimum printing for printing
US6678068B1 (en) Client print server link for output peripheral device
JP5101147B2 (ja) グルーピング機能を有する印刷ジョブ管理方法および装置
US8169629B2 (en) Print control with interfaces provided in correspondence with printing methods
JP4988403B2 (ja) 印刷ジョブ解析方法および装置
US7301662B2 (en) Control system and control method for image processing apparatus
US8294908B2 (en) Information processing apparatus, its job combining method, program, and storing medium
US8670161B2 (en) Driver that presents context sensitive information about device features
US20010048533A1 (en) Data processing apparatus and method thereof, and memory medium
US6373586B1 (en) Image printing system and partitioned printing method therein
US20040017580A1 (en) Printing method, printing apparatus, printing program executable by information processing apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium storing program
US20050138573A1 (en) Printer driver with automatic inquiry of user preferences
US7454757B2 (en) Technology for processing information e.g. representing print requests in networked environment a system suitable for applying this method, and a computer program element comprising a program code for applying this method
EP0529808A2 (en) Print manager system for electronic job printing
US20050179921A1 (en) Method, apparatus and program product for device independent print job ticketing
US20050254079A1 (en) Printing apparatus and method enabled to save print option and print document file
US7389362B2 (en) Peripheral equipment control program, program control device, program control method, peripheral equipment driver, peripheral equipment control device, and method for installing peripheral equipment control driver
US7280241B2 (en) Print driver user interface
US20060285154A1 (en) Host device, image-forming device, and print system having automatic classification function, and print control method therefor
EP1617322A2 (en) Customizable print media definition
JP2003280864A (ja) プリンタドライバ

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V., NETHERLANDS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BERGS, ROGER MICHEL HELENE;COUWENBERG, WILHELMUS JOHANNES;KROM, MARCUS WILLIBRORDUS;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012152/0295;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010704 TO 20010723

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20161118